Kerr to join U.K.-based CargoLogicAir in 2018 after leaving Etihad

Three weeks after announcing that he was stepping down as senior vice president at Etihad Cargo, David Kerr has secured a new position in the airfreight industry as incoming CEO at CargoLogicAir (CLA). He is scheduled to take the reins of the U.K.-based all-cargo carrier on Jan. 1, 2018.

Kerr, who will continue on at Etihad through the end of this year, has more than 20 years of experience in the airline sector, holding senior roles for world-leading companies in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, including a stint with American Airlines. He also held executive positions in other industries, such as fast-moving consumer goods, banking and travel.

“David is a highly respected, experienced and well-known air cargo industry executive who will bring new insight into the business and lead CargoLogicAir towards our strategic goal of recognition as one of the leaders in the European airfreight industry,” said Sir John Holmes, chairman of CLA’s advisory board.

In his new role, Kerr will be responsible for CLA’s “strategic development plans, orchestrating the growth of its freighter fleet and its network, with the focus on specialized logistics solutions for different industries,” read a company statement.

“During his seven-and-a-half-year tenure, Etihad Cargo’s business trebled to become a billion-dollar organization,” said Etihad Airways CEO Peter Baumgartner, who thanked Kerr for his contributions.

Meanwhile, Etihad Cargo has named Justin Carr as Kerr’s replacement, taking on the title of vice president of cargo commercial for the Abu Dhabi-based carrier. Carr, with more than 20 years of logistics experience – after serving with DHL as head of multinational company business development for the Middle East and Africa region – will join Etihad in the role at the first of the new year. He will responsible for Etihad’s global sales, key accounts, product teams and freighter platforms.